Aug. 6, 2025, marked 80 years since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, in 1945. Each anniversary offers a time to remember the tragedy and its impact. It also presents an opportunity to renew the call for peace.
For many years, I have attended this important gathering as part of the Raging Grannies, but this year was special. As someone who recently returned to New York, I attended a beautiful event here. It included ringing a gong 80 times to mark the 80 years since the bombing. There was leafleting and a procession around the park to inform and invite action toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. I was also able to meet one of my goals—to bring WILPF’s presence and message to events like this one.
Julie Leak calls for an end to nuclear weapons with other peace activists in New York.
About a month later, on Sept. 10, I presided over the re-launch of the WILPF New York Metro Branch. We gathered at the People’s Forum, 320 W. 37 St, a movement incubator for working-class and marginalized communities to build unity across historic lines of division at home and abroad. The center comprises a co-working space, conference rooms, a theater for film screenings, a media laboratory, a lending library, and the People’s Café. It’s a great place for WILPF gatherings and offers an opportunity to work with many wonderful groups.
In breathing new life into the NY Metro Branch, I’ve met and talked with some wonderful women who have been longtime members and have written part of WILPF’s history. I have also been able to encourage new folks I met at the Commission on the Status of Women Forum this past March to join with us. I am so excited that a longtime friend also joined!
We’re in such good company with a WILPF office here, the United Nations close by, and a brand-new Mayor who invites us to be part of a “New Era for New York City”.
I think we’re off to a good start!
Please tell your friends who live here in the Big Apple and are looking for a place to help write a new chapter of peacemaking to look me up. Any other assistance is also appreciated!
In Solidarity,
Julie
jeleak@gmail.com
